In one of the more somber moments of the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, Jared Leto had the duty and honor of giving a speech in memory of his friend and the late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington. Leto's words were aching, even as he remained still and stalwart throughout his speech. He ended it with a plea for "anyone out there who is watching this tonight and feels like there is no hope," saying "you are not alone."

"The absolute biggest breakthroughs in life lie just beyond the darkest days," Leto said.

Then, just as Leto called for the crowd to stand together in a moment of respect for the fallen singer, MTV cut to a commercial break. The abrupt move left many fans feeling more than a little affronted.